RNA probe for detecting c-fes MRNA

ABSTRACT

A recombinant plasmid and an RNA sequence expressed by said plasmid are described. The RNA sequence hybridizes specifically with human c-fes mRNA.

This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 07/954,427,filed 30 Sep., 1992, now abandoned, which in turn is a Continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 07/355,207, filed 22 May, 1989, now abandoned.

The present invention is related generally to diagnostic tests. Moreparticularly, the present invention is related to an RNA probe fordetecting the presence of c-fes mRNA in biological samples, such ashuman cell and tissue RNA preparations.

Expression of the c-fes oncogene is known to play a certain functionalrole in myelopoiesis in hematopoietic cells (Smithgall et al, 1988, J.Biol. Chem. 263, 15050-15055; Greer et al, 1988, Mol. Cell. Biol., 8,578-587). However, heretofore direct evidence was lacking to prove thatthe expression of human c-fes gene induced myeloid differentiation incells. Furthermore, a specific and sensitive assay to measure the levelof c-fes mRNA in human cells and tissues was also heretofore notavailable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a kitfor the detection of c-fes mRNA in biological samples such as human celland tissue RNA preparations.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an RNA probefor detecting the presence of c-fes mRNA in vitro or in situ.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a recombinantplasmid comprising exon 2 of the human c-fes genomic sequence for theexpression of the transcription product of the c-fes oncogene in asuitable expression vector.

Other objects and advantages will become evident from the followingdetailed description of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other objects, features and many of the attendant advantagesof the invention will be better understood upon a reading of thefollowing detailed description when considered in connection with theaccompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 shows the various elements of the human c-fes genomic clone.

FIG. 2 shows schematic construction of the recombinant plasmidpcfes4ZKB.

FIG. 3 schematically shows various steps involved in the RNaseprotection assay with the c-fes RNA probe in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 shows non-denaturing gel assay for p93^(c-fes) tyrosine kinaseactivity in colonies of K562 cells stably transfected with pECE/fes.K562 cells were cotransfected with pECE/fes and pSV2/neo as a selectablemarker and G418-resistant colonies were selected and screened forp93^(c-fes) tyrosine kinase activity. Aliquots of membrane proteins (15μg) present in 1.0% Triton X-100 cell extracts were assayed for tyrosinekinase activity using the non-denaturing gel assay described in thetext.

FIG. 5 shows the comparison of tyrosine kinase activity in colony WS-1with differentiated HL-60 cells. One percent Triton X-100 extracts wereprepared from either wild type K562 cells ("K562"), pSV2/neo-transfectedK562 cells ("K562/neo"), colony WS-1 ("K562/fes"), or HL-60 cellstreated for 4 days with 1.6% Me₂ SO, and p93^(c-fes) tyrosine kinase waspartially purified by tyrosine-agarose chromatography. Eluates (3 μg ofprotein) were assayed for tyrosine kinase activity using thenon-denaturing gel assay as described in the text.

FIG. 6 shows the Southern blot analysis of colonies of K562 cells stablytransfected with pECE/fes. DNA (10 μg) was prepared from wild type K562cells ("K562") and selected colonies of cells transfected with c-fes(designated as "WS-1, WS-5, WS-6, WD-1, WD-2, WD-3, WD-4, and WD-7"),and digested with Eco RI. Plasmid p80 DNA ("p80") containing the 13.2 kbc-fes gene served as a control. After electrophoresis in 1% agarosegels, Southern blots were prepared and hybridized with a v-fes probe asdescribed herein below. Levels of c-fes integration relative to wildtype K562 cells were determined by laser densitometry of the 13.2 kb EcoRI fragment. The endogenous K562 c-fes gene is not visible in theexposure shown (12 h); determination of the c-fes gene in wild typecells required longer autoradiographic exposure (>48 h; data not shown).

FIG. 7 shows the Southern blot analysis of a restriction digest of DNAprepared from colony WS-1. DNA (10 μg) was prepared from wild type K562cells ("K562") and colony WS-1 ("K562/fes") and digested with Eco RI andXho I. Plasmid p80 DNA ("p80") containing the 13.2 kb c-fes gene servedas a control. Southern blots and hybridization were carried out asdescribed in the text.

FIG. 8 shows the RNase protection assay of parental and clonal variantsof K562 cells stably transfected with pECE/fes. Poly-A⁺ RNA was selectedfrom 250 μg of total RNA prepared from wild type HL-60 cells ("HL-60"),wild type K562 cells ("K562"), and colonies WS-1 ("K562/WS-1"), WS-5("K562/WS-5") and WS-6 ("K562/WS-6"). Solution hybridization was carriedout with 10⁶ cpm of a ³² P-labeled c-fes antisense RNA probe containingthe 222 bp sequence complementary to exon 2 of the human c-fes gene.Following overnight incubation, the hybridization reaction was digestedwith RNase and the protected dsRNA fragments were resolved byelectrophoresis on 6% polyacrylamide-urea gels, and visualized byautoradiography.

FIG. 9 shows the immunoprecipitation of parental and clonal variants ofK562 cells stably transfected with pECE/fes. Cell extracts were preparedfrom wild-type K562 cells, transfected clones WS-1 and WS-5, and HL-60cells labeled with ³⁵ S!Methionine, and p93^(c-fes) wasimmunoprecipitated with an anti-v-fes monoclonal antibody.Immunoprecipitates were analyzed by SDS-polyacrylamide gelelectrophoresis and autoradiography as described in the text. Thecontrol lane shows precipitation of HL-60 extracts in the absence of themonoclonal antibody.

FIG. 10 shows the growth curve of K562/fes clone WS-1, K562/neo andparental K562 cells. Wild type K562 cells ("K562"), pSV2/neo-transfectedcells ("K562/neo") and colony WS-1 ("K562/fes") were grown for one week,and cells number was determined at one day intervals with a Coulterparticle counter. Cell viability was greater than 95% as determined bytrypan blue exclusion.

FIG. 11 shows the photomicrographs of parental K562 cells and K562/fesclone WS-1. Parental K562 cells (A,C,E) and c-fes-transfected clone WS-1(B,D,F) were tested for their response to 2 day treatment with 10⁻⁷ MTPA (A,B), for their ability to reduce NBT (C,D) or for their capacityto phagocytize sheep erythrocytes (E,F).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The above and various other objects and advantages of the presentinvention are achieved by a specific RNA sequence which hybridizes onlywith c-fes mRNA, said specific RNA sequence being obtained from theexpression of the recombinant plasmid pcfes4ZKB in a suitable expressionvector, such as E. coli, yeast, viruses and other prokaryotic oreukaryotic vectors well known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods andmaterials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used inthe practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methodsand materials are now described. All publications mentioned hereunderare incorporated herein by reference. Unless mentioned otherwise, thetechniques employed herein are standard methodologies well known to oneof ordinary skill in the art. The materials, methods and examples areillustrative only and not limiting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS Materials

All radioisotopes were obtained from Du Pont-New England Nuclear,Boston, Mass. Tyrosine-agarose, Me₂ SO, and poly(glu,tyr)_(4:1) werepurchased from Sigma, St. Louis, Mo. The v-fes probe (460 bp Pst I--PstI fragment) was purchased from Oncor, Gaithersburg, Md. Rabbit antiserato a recombinant c-fes peptide was provided by Dr. Dennis J. Slamon,UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, Calif. Geneticin (G418) waspurchased from Gibco, Grand Island, N.Y. Plasmids p80 and pSV2/neo wereobtained from the American Type Culture Collection, Rockville, Md. TheMac-1 monoclonal antibody against the macrophage-specificdifferentiation was obtained from Hybritech, San Diego, Calif. Themonoclonal antibody (Ab-1) directed against the fes transforming proteincommon to both the Snyder-Theilen and Gardner strains of feline sarcomavirus was purchased from Oncogene Sciences, Manhasset, N.Y.

Cell Culture

HL-60, K562, and Cos-1 cells were obtained from the American TypeCulture Collection. HL-60 and K562 cells were grown in RPMI-1640 mediumsupplemented with 10% heat-inactivated fetal calf serum, 40 mM Hepes, pH7.4, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, nonessential amino acids, 100 units/mlpenicillin, and 100 μg/ml streptomycin. Cos-1 cells were grown inDulbecco's Modified Eagle's medium supplemented as above. All cells weresubcultured twice weekly, and maintained at a density of 10⁵ -10⁶cells/ml. HL-60 cells were treated with 1.6% Me₂ SO for 4 days to inducegranulocytic differentiation.

Preparation of Cell Extracts

Cells (0.5-1.0×10⁵) were collected by centrifugation and washed twice inHank's balanced salt solution containing 20 mM EDTA without Mg²⁺ orCa²⁺. The cell pellet was sonicated for 5 seconds in 0.5 ml of 50 mMTris-HCl (pH 7.5) containing 2 mM EGTA, 10 mM DTT, 0.1% Triton-X 100, 1mM PMSF, 50 μg/ml aprotinin, 200 μg/ml leupeptin and 400 μg/ml soybeantrypsin inhibitor, and centrifuged at 15,000×g at 4° C. for 10 min. Thesupernatant was removed and the pellet was re-extracted with anidentical buffer containing 1% Triton X-100. Protein concentrations weredetermined using a Coomassie blue-based reagent (Pierce Chemical Co.)and BSA as a standard.

Non-denaturing Gel Assay for Tyrosine Kinase Activity

Tyrosine kinase activity present in crude cell extracts and columnfractions was assayed by non-denaturing polyacrylamide gelelectrophoresis as described by Glazer et al (1987) Anal. Biochem. 164,214-220. Briefly, protein samples were subjected to electrophoresis in4.5% polyacrylamide mini-gels (Hoefer Scientific) at 4° C. Followingelectrophoresis, the gels were incubated with Mg²⁺, Mn²⁺ and τ-³² P!ATPin the presence and absence of poly(glu,tyr)_(4:1), a synthetic polymersubstrate in which tyrosine acts as sole phosphate acceptor. Followingincubation at 37° C. for 30 min, the gels were washed extensively in 5%trichloroacetic acid containing 10 mM sodium pyrophosphate, dried andkinase activity was quantitated by autoradiography.

Tyrosine-agarose Chromatography, Immunoblotting, and Immunoprecipitation

One percent Triton X-100 extracts were further fractionated bytyrosine-agarose chromatography (Yu et al, 1987, J. Biol. Chem. 262,17543-17548). Extracts were applied to 1.5 ml tyrosine-agarose columnsand aliquots (10 μg of protein) present in the eluate were resolved on7.5% SDS-polyacrylamide mini-gels using the Laemmli buffer system(Laemmli, U. K., 1970, Nature 227, 680-685). Proteins were transferredto nitrocellulose membranes using the Genie electrophoretic blotter(Idea Scientific). Immunoreactive p93^(c-fes) was visualized usingantiserum to a recombinant human c-fes peptide, and the Protoblotdetection system (Promega Biotec) as described by the manufacturer. Forimmunoprecipitation, 5×10⁷ cells were labeled :by incubation at 37° C.for 18 h in 3 ml of methionine-free Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Mediumcontaining 5% fetal calf serum and 200 μCi/ml ³⁵ S!-methionine (1.140Ci/mmol). Cells were then washed, lysed and subjected toimmunoprecipitation with biotinylated anti-v-fes monoclonal antibody(Veronese et al, 1982, J. Virol. 43, 896-904) and streptavidin-agaroseaccording to the manufacturer's protocol. Following extensive washing,immune complexes resolved by electrophoresis through 8%SDS-polyacrylamide gels. Gels were treated with Fluoro-Hance (ResearchProducts International, Mount Prospect, Ill.) prior to autoradiographyat -80° C.

Construction of the expression vector pECE/fes

An SV40-based mammalian expression vector pECE (Ellis et al, 1986, Cell45, 721-732) was provided by Dr. William J. Rutter, University ofCalifornia, San Francisco. pECE was digested with Eco RI anddephosphorylated with calf intestine alkaline phosphatase. The entirehuman c-fes genomic sequence was isolated as a 13.2 kb Eco RI fragmentfrom the plasmid vector p80 (Trus et al, 1982, J. Biol. Chem. 257,2730-2733) and cloned into the expression vector pECE. The orientationof c-fes was determined by Southern blots using the v-fes probe and itwas found to be in the correct orientation such that transcription ofthe c-fes coding sequence is directed from the SV40 early promoter. Thisrecombinant plasmid is designated pECE/fes.

Transfection of Cos-1 and K562 cells

Cos-1 cells (5×10⁵ cells/100 mm plate) were transfected with 20 μg ofpECE/fes by the modified calcium phosphate precipitation proceduredescribed by Chen and Okayama (1987) Mol. Cell. Biol. 7, 2745-2752. Fortransient expression, analysis was performed 48 h posttransfection. K562cells were transfected by the protoplast fusion technique (Yoakum, G.H., 1984, BioTechniques 2, 24-31). Briefly, 100 ml of an overnightculture of E. coli transformed with pECE/fes and pSV2/neo werecentrifuged at 4000×g for 15 min. The bacteria were incubated for 2 hrat room temperature (22°-24° C.) with 3 ml of a freshly preparedlysozyme solution (10 mg/ml in 20 mM Hepes, 20% sucrose, pH 7.1). Theincubation was stopped by adding 0.8 ml of 1.25M CaCl₂ and theprotoplast preparation was diluted to 10 ml with RPMI-1640. K562 cells(5×10⁶ cells) were collected by centrifugation and treated for 1.5 minwith 2 ml of the protoplast preparation and 1 ml of fresh 48%polyethylene glycol (mol wt 1000). The cells were then washed five timeswith RPMI-1640 medium in a CO₂ incubator with the medium changed dailyfor the first two days. After 48 hr, cells were split and plated at 10³cells per 100 mm plate containing RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 20%heat-inactivated fetal calf serum and 0.4% agarose (SeaPlaque, FMC) and2.5 mg/ml G418 (Gibco) for selection. After about 14 days of incubation,colonies were selected and cultured in RPMI-1640 medium with 0.2 mg/mlG418.

Southern Blot

High molecular weight DNA, prepared by the Gross-Bellard method(Gross-Bellard et al, 1972, Eur. J. Biochem. 36, 32-39) was digestedwith either Eco RI or Xho I, separated in 0.8% agarose gels andtransferred to nitrocellulose (Southern, E. M., 1975, J. Mol. Appl.Genet. 1, 327-341). Hybridization was carried out with the v-fes probelabeled with α-³² P!dCTP by the random primer procedure (BRL) at 36° C.for 16 hr in 50% formamide, 5× SSC, 0.5% SDS, 5× Denhardt's solution and100 μg/ml denatured salmon sperm DNA. Blots were washed with 0.1× SSC,0.1% SDS at 65° C.

Cloning of genomic c-fes fragments for riboprobe synthesis

A 461 bp Kpn I-Bgl II fragment of the human c-fes locus (Roebroek et al,1985, EMBO. J. 4, 2897-2903) containing exon 2 and some 3' and 5' intronsequences, was cloned into the polylinker region of pGEM-4Z (PromegaBiotec). This vector contains the bacteriophage T7 promoter immediatelydownstream from and in an opposite orientation to the cloning site,allowing for preparation of a c-fes riboprobe (antisense RNAtranscript). This was accomplished by linearization of the vector 5' tothe c-fes insert and incubation with T7 RNA polymerase, α-³² P!CTP andunlabeled nucleoside triphosphates according to the manufacturer'sprotocol. The resulting riboprobe is 498 nucleotides in length, as itcontains some sequences transcribed from the vector template.

Poly-A⁺ RNA Isolation and RNase Protection Assay

Total cellular RNA was prepared by guanidinium isothiocyanate extractionof 10⁸ cells followed by centrifugation through cesium chloride(Chirgwin et al, 1979, Biochemistry 18, 5294-5298; Glisin et al, 1973,Biochemistry 13, 2633-2641). Poly-A⁺ RNA was selected from 250 μg totalRNA by batch adsorption to oligo-dT cellulose (New England Biolabs). Thefraction eluting from oligo-dT cellulose selection was hybridized with10⁶ cpm of the ³² P-labeled c-fes riboprobe (see above). Followingovernight (about 12-16 hrs) incubation, the hybridization reaction wasdigested with RNase, and the protected dsRNA fragments were resolved bypolyacrylamide-urea gel electrophoresis and visualized byautoradiography.

Histochemical Assays

Lysozyme activity was measured spectrophotometrically at 450 nm by thelysis of M. lysodeikticus (Selsted et al, 1978, Infection and Immunity20, 782-791). The ability of cells to reduce NBT to formazan wasassessed by the method described by Breitman et al (1980) Proc. Natl.Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 77, 2936-2940. Fc receptors and immunophagocytosiswere determined using sheep erythrocytes coated with anti-erythrocyteantibodies (Breitman et al, 1984, in Methods for Serum-Free Culture ofNeuronal and Lymphoid Cells. Alan R. Liss, Inc., New York, 215-236).Expression of the macrophage-specific differentiation marker, Mac-1, wasexamined by immunofluorescence following treatment of cells for 2 dayswith 100 nM TPA (Ball et al, 1982, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 79,5374-5378).

EXAMPLE Construction of Recombinant Plasmids and Riboprobe Synthesis

The plasmid vector p80, which contains the entire human c-fes genomicsequence (Trus et al, supra), was digested with Kpn I and Xba I. Theresulting 1175 bp fragment, which contains c-fes exons 2 and 3, wasinserted into the polylinker region of pGEM4Z (Promega Biotec, Madison,Wis.) (FIG. 1). This recombinant plasmid was named pcfes4ZKX. To preparea template for riboprobe synthesis, pcfes4ZKX was digested with Bgl IIand Xba I, which removed c-fes exon 3 and about two-thirds of intron 2.The terminal Bgl II and Xba I sites were filled in with the Klenowfragment of DNA polymerase, and the plasmid was re-circularized with T4DNA ligase. The resulting recombinant plasmid, pcfes4ZKB, contains c-fesexon 2 flanked by partial sequences of introns 1 and 2 (FIG. 2). Thec-fes insert is upstream from and in opposite orientation to thebacteriophage T7 promoter. Prior to riboprobe synthesis, pcfes4ZKB wasdigested to completion with Eco Rl, which cuts the plasmid 5' to thec-fes insert.

Riboprobe synthesis was conducted in a 20 μl reaction containing 40 mMTris-HCl, pH 7.5, 6 mM MgCl₂, 2 mM spermidine, 10 mM NaCl, 10 mM DTT, 40units RNasin, 0.5 mM ATP, UTP, and GTP, 12 μM CTP, 50 μCi α-³² P!CTP(800 Ci/mmol), and 1.0 μg linearized template DNA (FIG. 3). Reactionswere initiated by adding 20 units of T7 RNA polymerase, incubated at 37°C. for 1 h, and terminated by the addition of 5 units of RQ1 DNase(Promega). Following DNase treatment for 15 min at 37° C., 2 μg ofcarrier tRNA were added, the reaction mixture was extracted withphenol-chloroform, and the labeled RNA was precipitated with ethanol.The riboprobe was re-dissolved in 100 μl water, and the amount oflabeled CTP incorporated was determined by TCA precipitation (typically10⁸ to 10⁹ cpm/μg RNA). The c-fes riboprobe synthesized in this manneris 498 nucleotides in length, as it contains some sequences transcribedfrom the parent vector. Probes were prepared on the same day they wereto be used, and the best results were obtained with fresh isotope. Thisprocedure is a modification of the method originally described by Meltonet al (1984) Nucleic Acids Res. 12, 7035-7056.

A deposit of the recombinant plasmid pcfes4ZKB has been made at theATCC, Rockville, Md., on May 19, 1989, under the accession number 40610.The deposit shall be viably maintained, replaced if it becomesnon-viable during the life of the patent, for a period of 30 years fromthe date of the deposit, or for 5 years from the last date of requestfor a sample of the deposit, whichever is longer, and upon issuance ofthe patent made available to the public without restriction inaccordance with the provisions of the law. The Commissioner of Patentsand Trademarks, upon request, shall have access to the deposit.

RESULTS Transfection of Cos-1 cells with pECE/fes

The 13.2 kb Eco RI fragment identified previously as the human c-fesgene (Trus et al, supra; Roebroek et al, supra) was cloned into theSV40-based mammalian expression vector pECE (Ellis et al, supra) anddesignated pECE/fes. To test this construct, Cos-1 cells weretransfected by calcium phosphate precipitation and 48 hr later, TritonX-100 extracts of cellular proteins were analyzed for immunoreactivep93^(c-fes) and for tyrosine kinase activity. Cos-1 cells transfectedwith pECE/fes expressed a 93 kDa protein which was specificallyrecognized on Western blots by the c-fes polyclonal antibody (resultsnot shown). Extracts prepared from Cos-1 cells transfected with pECE/fesexpressed a single species of tyrosine kinase activity that was presentin the 1.0% Triton X-100 cell extract (results not shown). These resultsindicated that Cos-1 cells are capable of expressing the genomic DNAencoding c-fes and transcribing a functional gene product. However,Cos-1 cells did not acquire characteristics of myeloid cells as a resultof c-fes transfection.

Co-transfection of K562 Cells with pECE/fes and pSV-2/neo

Since K562 cells do not express p93^(c-fes), they are an ideal cell linefor transfection experiments with pECE/fes. K562 cells wereco-transfected with pECE/fes and pSV-2/neo by protoplast fusion and wereselected by cloning in soft agar containing 2.5 mg/ml G418. After 14days in culture, G418-resistant colonies were selected and amplified inRPMI-1640 medium. One percent Triton X-100 cell extracts representingthe membrane fraction of the cell were prepared from G418-resistantcolonies and were screened for tyrosine kinase activity with thenondenaturing gel assay (FIG. 4). Stably transfected colonies designatedWS-1, WS-5, WS-6, and WD-7 had high levels of tyrosine kinase activity.Colony WS-1 expressed a level of tyrosine kinase activity comparable tothat present in HL-60 cells treated with 1.6% Me₂ SO (FIG. 5), atreatment which produces granulocytic differentiation (Zylber-Katz etal, 1985, Cancer Res. 45, 5159-5164). p93^(c-fes) tyrosine kinaseactivity was not present in either parental or pSV-2/neo-transfectedK562 cells (FIG. 5).

A Southern blot of the DNA prepared from several colonies of stablytransfected K562 cells indicated varying levels of integration of thec-fes gene (FIG. 6). The most dramatic example is seen in transfectedclone WS-1, in which the level of the c-fes gene is more than 30 timeshigher than that of the K562 wild-type cells. The intensity of thehybridization signal was similar to the level of tyrosine kinaseactivity expressed by the various clones (FIG. 4). Digestion of WS-1cell DNA with Eco RI and Xho I generated the expected 13.2 kb and 4.4 kbfragments that were identical to those present in p80 followinghybridization with the v-fes DNA probe (FIG. 7).

Analysis of c-fes transcript levels, mRNA processing, and p93^(c-fes)protein synthesis in K562/fes clones

Steady-state levels of c-fes mRNA were determined in transfected K562clones using the RNase protection assay. The probe used in this assay isan anti-sense RNA transcript 498 nucleotides in length containing the222 nucleotide sequence complimentary to c-fes exon 2. The remainder ofthe probe is made up of 5' and 3' sequences complimentary to c-fesintrons 2 and 3, and 37 nucleotides transcribed from the vectortemplate. Poly-A⁺ RNA was prepared from K562/fes clones WS-1, WS-5, andWS-6 and hybridized to the c-fes riboprobe overnight. Following RNasedigestion, polyacrylamide/urea gel electrophoresis revealed a majorprotected fragment 222 nucleotides in length in each of the transfectedclones, which corresponds to c-fes exon 2 (FIG. 8). The intensity ofthis band is proportional to the level of c-fes genomic integration(FIG. 6), p93^(c-fes) protein levels (see below). Note that an identicalprotected fragment is present following the RNase protection assay ofpoly-A⁺ RNA from HL-60 cells, a cell line which normally expressesp93^(c-fes). By contrast, no protected fragments were observed followingthe RNase protection assay of untransfected K562 cells.

In addition to the major band of 222 nucleotides, K562/fes clones WS-1and WS-5 also exhibited a protected fragment of 460 nucleotides (FIG.8), which corresponds to the size of the c-fes genomic fragmentcontained within the probe (i.e., intron and exon sequences). Thisindicates that a significant fraction of the c-fes mRNA from transfectedcells contains intron sequences, and suggests that c-fes mRNA is lessefficiently processed in the transfected clones than in HL-60 cells,which do not exhibit this band. Minor protected fragments approximately320 and 370 nucleotides in length are also visible in transfected clonesWS-1 and WS-5, as well as in HL-60 cells. These fragments may arise fromalternate processing of the primary c-fes transcript that occurs 5' toexon 2, as several alternate splice acceptor sites have been proposed inintron 2 of the c-fes genomic sequence (Roebroek et al, supra).

The results indicate that the translation of c-fes mRNA into p93^(c-fes)protein proceeds normally in transfected K562 cells. This conclusion isbased on immunoprecipitation experiments using an anti-v-fes monoclonalantibody. As shown in FIG. 9, transfected K562 clones WS-1 and WS-5express an immunoreactive 93 kDa protein not seen in the K562 wild typecells. Note that an immunoreactive protein of identical electrophoreticmobility is also seen in immunoprecipitates of HL-60 cells, which areenriched in p93^(c-fes).

Phenotypic alterations in colonies of K562 cells transfected with c-fes

Clones WS-1, WS-5 and WS-6 were selected for further study of thechanges in maturation which accompanied selection of these cell lines.After 2-3 passages, WS-1 cells grew at a slower rate than wild type K562cells (FIG. 10), a property which may be indicative of differentiation.In addition, all clones adhered loosely to the culture flask, a propertywhich was not seen with parental or pSV-2/neo transfected cells (TableI). Most notable was the response of WS-1 and WS-5 cells to TPA, atreatment which produced approximately 50% macrophage-like cells (FIG.11A,B). TPA-treatment of transfected K562 cells also resulted inexpression of the macrophage-specific differentiation antigen Mac-1(Springer et al, 1979, Eur. J. Immunol. 9, 301-306), whereas TPA-treatedwild type cells displayed almost no detectable Mac-1 immunofluorescence(Table I). Several functional parameters which are indicative of maturemyeloid cells were also examined. Erythrophagocytosis increaseddramatically in clones WS-1 and WS-5 and to a lesser extent in WS-6(Table I and FIG. 11E,F). The percentage of Fc receptor positive cellsis high in K562 cells (Koeffler et al, 1981, Cancer Res. 41, 919-926)but doubled in all the clones (Table I). Several enzymatic features ofmature myeloid cells were also acquired. In parental K562 cells,lysozyme activity was absent, but it was readily detected in allselected clones, and all transfected cell lines demonstrated high levelsof NBT reduction.

Although transfected K562 cells express mature myeloid characteristicsand respond to TPA, they still retain the ability to undergo erythroiddifferentiation in response to hemin. Treatment of K562, K562/WS-1, andK562/WS-5 with 100 mM hemin for 5 days resulted in 64%, 49% and 63%benzidine-positive cells, respectively.

In summary, the results presented herein clearly indicate that thedifferentiation-associated 93 kDa tyrosine kinase activity is theproduct of the human c-fes gene. Expression of p93^(c-fes) is found tobe especially high in mature peripheral monocytes and granulocytes,acute and chronic myelogenous leukemias and in leukemia cell linescapable of myeloid differentiation such as K562 and Kg-1a, p93^(c-fes)expression is either very low or absent. These findings suggest thatp93^(c-fes) plays a definitive role during the process of maturation ofmyeloid cells.

The K562 leukemia cell line provided a convenient model to study thefunction of the human c-fes gene and its role in myeloiddifferentiation. This cell line does not express p93^(c-fes) and cannotbe induced to differentiate along the granulocyte/monocyte pathway by avariety of differentiating agents (Koeffler et al, supra). Therefore,this cell line was utilized herein for transfection with the human c-fesgene in order to identify the role of c-fes in the differentiationprocess. It was observed that K562 cells transfected with the c-fes geneexpressed an active p93^(c-fes) tyrosine kinase which coincided with theexpression of phenotypic markers indicative of a more differentiatedcell type such as increased phagocytosis, Fc receptors, NBT reductionand lysozyme activity. The latter activity in clone WS-1 was comparableto levels found in mature leukocytes. This clonal cell line alsoresponded dramatically to the phorbol ester, TPA, resulting in itsmorphologic transformation to a macrophage-like cell and expression ofthe macrophage surface antigen, Mac-1. Thus, these results demonstratethat an active c-fes gene is imperative for the ultimate expression ofthe mature myeloid phenotype.

For the purpose of routine assays for the detection of c-fes mRNA,non-radioactive riboprobes are easily prepared as follows.

Nonradioactive RNA probe synthesis

Two procedure can be employed to prepare nonradioactive RNA probes. Thefirst procedure will utilize a 20 μl reaction containing 40 mM Tris-HCl,pH 7.5, 6 mM MgCl₂, 2 mM spermidine, 10 mM NaCl, 10 mM DTT, 40 unitsRNasin, 0.5 mM ATP, CTP, and GTP, 0.5 mM 5-(N-N-biotinyl-ε-aminocaproyl!-3-aminoallyl)-uridine 5'-triphosphate, and1.0 μg linearized template DNA. Reactions are initiated by adding 20units of T7 RNA polymerase, incubated at 37° C. for 1 h, and terminatedby the addition of 5 units of RQ1 DNase (Promega). Following DNasetreatment for 15 min at 37° C., 2 μg of carrier tRNA is added, thereaction mixture is extracted with phenol/chloroform, and the labeledRNA is precipitated with ethanol.

The second method will employ the same reaction mixture except that 0.5mM UTP is substituted for 5-(N-N-biotinyl-ε-aminocaproyl!-3-aminoallyl)-uridine 5'-triphosphate.Following precipitation with ethanol as described above, the RNA isreacted with Photoprobe Biotin (Vector Labs, Burlingame, Calif.), aphotoactivatable form of biotin which covalently labels the RNA probe.

In both instances, the biotinylated RNA probe used in the RNaseprotection assay is detected with a strepavidin-immunoglobulin-alkalinephosphatase conjugate utilizing NBT and BCIP for color detection (Oncor,Gaithersburg, Md.). However, other methods of color detection can, ofcourse, also be employed as will be suggested to one of ordinary skillin the art.

A kit for the detection of c-fes mRNA comprises a container containingthe riboprobe of the present invention, either prepared fresh orcryopreserved.

A method for the detection of c-fes mRNA in situ or in vitro comprisesreacting a cell or tissue preparation with the radioactive ornon-radioactive riboprobe of the present invention and determining thedegree of hybridization by standard methodologies well known to one ofordinary skill in the art. Such methodologies include radiolabeled,immuno-histochemical, fluorescence measurement and the like.

Of course, the present invention now makes it possible to inducemyelopoiesis in immature myeloid cells by introducing genomic c-fes genein immature myeloid cells in which myeloid differentiation is desired.

It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein arefor illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changesin light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and areto be included within the spirit and purview of this application andscope of the appended claims.

                  TABLE I    ______________________________________    Phenotype of parental K562 cells and colonies transfected with c-fes    Differentiation                HL-60   K562   K562/neo                                      WS-1 WS-5 WS-6    Marker.sup.a                percent positive    ______________________________________    Phagocytosis                42.sup.b                        0      1      65   56   12    Fc receptors                68.sup.b                        52     48     94   85   81    NBT reduction                77.sup.b                        1      3      64   43   38    Lysozyme activity.sup.c                n.d..sup.d                        0      0      4.6  3.6  4.5    Adherence    0.sup.b                        0      0      80   80   65    Response to 10.sup.-7 M TPA:    Adherence   75      0      0      50   56   n.d.    Mac-1       88      2      3      70   73   18    ______________________________________     .sup.a The values for phagocytosis, NBT reduction and lysozyme activity     are the average of duplicate determinations. Other values represent a     single determination.     .sup.b HL60 cells were treated for 4 days with 1.25% Me.sub.2 SO.     .sup.c μg of lysozyme/10.sup.6 cell. Normal leukocytes range from     3.6-8.4     .sup.d n.d., not determined.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for the detection of acute or chronicmyelogenous leukemia cells having the capacity for myeloiddifferentiation, comprising reacting a hematopoietic cell or tissuesample with a probe consisting of a 498 nucleotide RNA transcriptcontaining a 222 nucleotide sequence complementary to human c-fes exon-2mRNA, and determining the degree of hybridization of said probe to saidcell or tissue sample, wherein a degree of hybridization which is low orundetectable when compared to normal hematopoietic cells which have thecapacity for myeloid differentiation, determines the presence of acuteor chronic myelogenous leukemia cells having the capacity for myeloiddifferentiation in the sample.
 2. The method of claim 1 wherein saidprobe is produced by a process comprising the steps of(1) inserting a461 bp KpnI-BglII human c-fes fragment comprising exon 2 of human c-fesinto a pGEM vector with a T7 promoter sequence, and (2) expressing ananti-sense c-fes mRNA to said c-fes fragment by inducing said T7promoter sequence, wherein said probe is complementary to human c-fesexon-2 mRNA associated with myeloid differentiation in acute and chronicmyelogenous leukemia.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein saidvector is a recombinant plasmid pcfes4ZKB, having ATCC Accession No.40610.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein said probe detects myeloid celldifferentiation.
 5. A method for the detection of acute or chronicmyelogenous leukemia cells at an advanced stage of differentiation,comprising reacting a hematopoietic cell or tissue sample with a probeconsisting of a 498 nucleotide RNA transcript containing a 222nucleotide sequence complementary to human c-fes exon-2 mRNA, anddetermining the degree of hybridization of said probe to said cell ortissue sample, wherein a degree of hybridization which is increased whencompared to normal hematopoietic cells at an advanced stage ofdifferentiation determines the presence of acute or chronic myelogenousleukemia cells at an advanced stage of differentiation.
 6. The method ofclaim 5 wherein said probe detects myeloid cell maturation.